The Governing Council of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka , led by the Pro- Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Greg Mbadiwe, has appointed Professor Benard Ifeanyi Odoh as the 7th substantive Vice Chancellor of the University.
Odoh, a Professor of Geophysics is of the Department of Applied Geophysics, Faculty of Physical Sciences of the University.
Announcing the appointment today (Tuesday, October 29), at the Council Chambers of the university after a rigorous selection process and interview of the 18 applicants for the position, the Pro-Chancellor disclosed that Odoh scored the 1st position from the pool of the applicants for the plum job of the university’s Chief Executive based on his evidence- based significant experience in university teaching, research and administration.
Amb. Mbadiwe, while handing over the appointment letter to Prof. Odoh, said the appointment is in accordance with the provisions of Section 4 of First Schedule, Nnamdi Azikiwe Act CAP 139, LFN 2004 as amended by the Universities (Miscellaneous Provisions) (Amended) Act 2007.
“Your Appointment is for a period of five years, effective Tuesday, 29th October 2024. The terms and conditions of your appointment are as approved by the federal government for all federal universities,” the letter stated.
In a brief acceptance speech, Prof Odoh thanked members of the Governing Council and the Vice Chancellor’s Selection Team for finding him worthy for the important assignment.
He promised not to let them down and to also work day and night to improve the university in all facets.
“I’m the first alumnus of this university to be appointed to this position. I have my first, second and third degrees here, so I understand our challenges. Let me assure every one of us, I know there are prejudices and concerns but you are going to judge me by performances not on hearsay. I will serve you well and our university will make progress,” he said.
Born on 5th August 1975, Odoh hails from Ezza North LGA, Ebonyi State.
He was a member of Nnamdi Azikiwe University (NAU) Senate from 2010 to 2014 and also served as Special Assistant to the Vice-Chancellor (Academic Matters I)/Coordinator UTME Exercise, 10th June 2014 to Oct. 2014
He was assessed and appointed as a professor at Federal University Gusau, 2015.
Odoh, an Emeritus Secretary to the State Government ( SSG) of Ebonyi State, has over 120 research publications published in reputable International Journals, E- Books and Monographs to his credit.
He returned to Nnamdi Azikiwe University in 2019 after resigning from his position as Secretary to the Ebonyi State Government.
He is a Member of various professional bodies including the Society of Exploration Geophysics, Oklahoma USA , American Association of Petroleum Geologists , European Association of Geoscientists & Engineers, Nigeria Association of Petroleum Explorationists and the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society.
